The Results of Norfolk FA's LGBT Survey

During the Rainbow Laces Campaign we asked the #NorfolkFootball community to participate in our LGBT survey.

During the Rainbow Laces Campaign we asked the Norfolk
Football community to participate in our LGBT survey. The survey was undertaken
to try to better understand the issues facing football in Norfolk and to provide
us with a better understanding of keys areas where our work can be focused to
be able to provide better support to the LGBT community within football.

The survey had respondents from all roles within the game
including, players, coaches/managers, referees, club officials/volunteers and
fans. The highest percentage of respondents came from players (29%), closely
following by referees (28%).

32% of respondents reported that they had heard homophobic
language in the last year whilst playing, coaching, watching or officiating
football. The highest percentage of homophobic language was reported to be
heard by players (49%) followed by fans (35%). The lowest percentage of homophobic
language was reported by volunteers (12%) and coaches (14%). Of those respondents
who reported hearing discrimination, 52% were aware of how to report
discrimination in Norfolk Football.

Overall, 42% of respondents were aware of how to report
discrimination, 7% where not aware and 32% were not aware, however they knew
where to look or who to ask to find out. All of the referees that responded to
the survey were aware of how to report discrimination.

When asked whether respondents believed that individuals
involved in football would feel comfortable to come out amongst the football
community 46% believed they would. 20% believed that they would not feel
comfortable and 37% were unsure. Those that were unsure were asked why this
was. The majority of responses detailed a lack of acceptance from some
individuals, a lack of role models and a culture that is changing for the
positive, but slowly.

Respondents were asked to rate on a scale of 0-100 whether
they believed Norfolk FA were doing enough to tackle homophobia (0=No 100=Yes).
The average score given was 64 which identifies that the Norfolk Football
community believes we could be doing more to support our LGBT community. 81% of
respondents believed that the Rainbow Laces Campaign will help to promote LGBT
inclusion in Norfolk.

When respondents were asked to rate on a scale of 1-5 what
they believed was the most important factors at improving LGBT inclusion they
rated LGBT inclusive clubs as the most important factor as demonstrated in the
graph below.

When asked what further actions could be taken by Norfolk FA
to help promote LGBT inclusion and/or address LGBT discrimination in football
31% were unsure as to what more could be completed. The majority of comments
detailed continuing to promote inclusive practices, holding one-off events,
harsher punishments for those found to be discriminating based on sexual
orientation, better education and ensuring when discrimination occurs it is
reported promptly and correctly.

The conclusions that can be drawn from the results of this
survey are that more work needs to completed surrounding the education of the
football community not only in general attitudes towards the LGBT community but
also understanding and reporting discrimination. It is also demonstrates that
the key piece of work that the football community believes would promote LGBT
inclusion in Norfolk is to establish LGBT inclusive clubs.

Reporting discrimination in football is essential in
providing us with the information to tackle the problem. More information on
how you can report discrimination in Norfolk football can be found by clicking here.

Norfolk County FA have developed a frame work whereby clubs
can apply to become an LGBT inclusive club. This frame work details steps that
must be taken to become an officially accredited Norfolk FA LGBT inclusive club
which provides some real action behind being named an inclusive club. For more
information on how your club can apply to be an LGBT inclusive club, please contact
Senior Football Development Officer, Rachel Cossey via Rachel.Cossey@NorfolkFA.com.